The strategic role of good governance in quality care and control of cancer

Abstract

Cancer is a leading cause of death globally and its economic impact is increasing on yearly basis, especially in transiting countries. The health outcomes (i.e., morbidity and mortality rates, quality-adjusted life years, disability-adjusted life years, life expectancy from birth, and infant mortality rate) of people living with cancers (PLWCs) depend largely on health financing which revolves around health economics and governance. This study highlighted the global burden of cancer disease and the role of good governance in improving the quality care and health indices of PLWC. To actualize this, the study focused on the application of a strategic operational framework of good governance and health financing for quality care and cancer control, especially in low-income countries, where there are leadership malfeasances. This short communication was an integrated review of works of literature on global cancer statistics updates, health economics, health governance, and palliative care of cancer patients using PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, cancer control guidelines, Google Scholar, and African Journal Online as databases. The paper presented a synthesis of the reviewed articles and the expected outcome of the possible interventions on cancer control. The article was analyzed and grouped according to the following categories namely health indices and social determinants of health (SDH) in a nation, health economics and health governance in cancer control, operational frameworks for cancer control, and palliative care in cancer control. To achieve sustainable cancer control in any nation, good political will, good governance, and equitable health financing are vital priority areas of action. Good governance can improve the quality of life of PLWC when the government in collaboration with other key stakeholders passionate about cancer control provides sustainable favorable SDH, in addition to operational frameworks for cancer control, protection, prevention, treatment, and awareness promotion.